I live near Stony Brook University, which has a well-known hospital and medical school. About a month ago I signed up to participate in research related to Covid-19. As a work-from-homer, this was a way I could reasonably get a vaccine without resorting to “skipping the line” or pretending I had a pre-existing condition. Today I received my first dose. Here is the story to date. I plan to post at least one follow-up to this.

The study I'm participating in is a phase III trial for the Novavax vaccine. Studies in the UK and South Africa already have demonstrated it to be safe and effective (at least to a similar standard as the Pfizer and Moderna options). Novavax also has the added advantage that it can be kept stable at higher temperatures than the mRNA vaccines. I'm not opposed in principle to studying its efficacy more, but I think it's silly that this trial has to happen before it can be distributed or used in the US. FDA Delenda Est.

Day -2: Registration

I receive a phone call from a lady calling herself Bella. Bella asks if I am still interested in participating in Covid-19 vaccine trials. I am. She takes my name, address, medical history, etc. She says to expect an email with directions to the clinic and some videos to watch.

Day -1: Orientation

In the morning there is an email from Bella with links to a required series of introductory videos. After each video there are a few questions to make sure I was paying attention. The videos are old. I can tell they are old because the second one says “There is no approved vaccine available for Covid-19.” Unforced error count: 1. One of the questions for this video asks if there are any approved vaccines available for Covid-19. I know what will happen if I get a question “wrong,” and I don’t want to try asking anyone to update the form, so I select “no.” I’ve already entered a simulacrum. I learn that if I participate in the study, I will receive the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine with probability 2/3 or a placebo with probability 1/3, and earn up to $1700 depending on how diligently I participate in follow-up. Sounds great.

Day 0: First Visit and Vaccination

I get in the car and drive to Stony Brook University Medical Center’s satellite clinic in Commack, NY. I walk in to a large lobby. A sign on the information desk says “COVID-19 STUDY: ROOM 201.” I go to suite 201 and enter another lobby. I walk up to the receptionist.

A...

Participating in a Covid-19 Vaccination Trial